The council had launched a consultation process about the proposal which would have meant that anyone caught exercising their dog in the zone could be fined up to £1,000.

Almost 100 areas in Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Greenisland, Larne and Whitehead were to come under the exclusion zone, including the popular Knockagh Monument and areas of Carnfunnock Country Park.

Playing fields and community centres in Ballymena, Greenisland and Whitehead are also included.

But after fierce opposition from councillors and the public, it was decided that the consultation should be withdrawn.

Speaking to Belfast Live, John Stewart, a UUP councillor in Carrickfergus, said: "Every Thursday group party leaders meet with the chief executive and following discussions with a number of councillors, myself included, the chief executive decided the best thing to do was withdraw the consultation.

"In my opinion it was flawed and you could see that with the masses of people getting annoyed about it.